Development and validation of a new measure of teacher perceptions of science and mathematics learning environments

This article describes the development and validation of the Inventory of Teaching and Learning (ITAL) as a new measure of teacher perceptions of science and mathematics learning environments. The ITAL was initially developed and administered in 2004 and has subsequently been revised annually. The ITAL is administered using a confidential web-based procedure to large samples of K–12 teachers in Georgia as part of an external evaluation of an NSF-funded effort to improve K–16 science and mathematics education. Results of extensive Principal Components Analyses of the 2006 and 2007 ITAL databases are reported to support the replicated measurement structure of this new measure. Alpha reliabilities for three ITAL dimensions of teaching and learning for the 2007 ITAL administration with a sample of 3,012 teachers were: 0.95 for Inquiry-Based, 0.90 for Standards-Based and 0.85 for Traditional. Implications of the research findings for future research and evaluation studies involving teacher perceptions of science and mathematics and other learning environments are described.     

Collaborative Multimedia

Six natural history institutions contributed video and other images to produce a single multimedia exhibit about famous paleontology sites throughout the United States. In Mesozoic Monsters, Mammals and Magnolias, users can view videos of the original excavation of each of the sites and also play computer games relating to each location. This project provides a model for how collaboration among museums can reduce the cost of multimedia exhibits while improving quality and making them available to wider audiences.